Coke Zero 400 celebrity watch: Fans take in Sheryl Crow

Saturday

Jul 6, 2013 at 8:03 AMJul 6, 2013 at 10:58 PM

Speedway fired up the crowd before race went green.

SKYLER SWISHERSTAFF WRITER

DAYTONA BEACH -- When Sheryl Crow got to Daytona International Speedway, she took her kids out on the track. “I told them this is where Lightning McQueen would be racing if he were real,” said Crow, referring to the lead character in the Disney film “Cars.” Crow, who provided the pre-race entertainment to a capacity crowd in the infield, was joined by a host of other celebrities at the Coke Zero 400 Saturday, including comedians Adam Sandler and Kevin James and NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal. In addition to Hollywood star power, the Speedway honored four Medal of Honor recipients. Crow, a Grammy Award-winning artist, said her two adopted sons, 6-year-old Wyatt and 3-year-old Levi, have transformed her life. On stage, she performed her hits like “All I Wanna Do” and “My Favorite Mistake” before a packed infield crowd. Aimee Nelson of Jupiter said the star power of the Coke Zero 400 served as a huge draw for her and her family. “She is an inspiration for women,” Nelson said of Crow, referring to the singer's battle with breast cancer. “They are making it an enjoyable experience for everyone.” Sandler, James and O'Neal served as the grand marshals of the race. The trio stars in the movie “Grownups 2,” which is opening in theaters July 12. Shaq told reporters he is rooting for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick. Why Danica? “Honestly. She's hot. Smoking,” said Shaq, who had donned a Daytona International Speedway hat. Shaq said he admired NASCAR fans: “It's a million degrees outside but people still showed up to support the event.” Alyssa Milano, who is starring in ABC's new series “Mistresses,” was at the track promoting her clothing brand Touch's new line of NASCAR apparel. She said she had brunch with drivers' wives and took laps around the track in a pace car. It was her first visit to Daytona International Speedway. “I have had a great, great day,” she said. “NASCAR knows how to do this.” Will the visit to Daytona have a lasting effect on Crow's two sons? She seemed to think so. “I am certain one of my two sons is going to be a fast driver whether I like it or not,” Crow joked. “What kid in America doesn't want to own a hot rod and drive fast?”Staff Writer Dinah Voyles Pulver contributed to this report.